uPVC VS Aluminium

HOW DOES UPVC COMPARE?

uPVC vs Aluminium

You may wonder why you should choose uPVC for your doors and windows rather than aluminium?uPVC is a great material to use in your house as a joinery solution. However, there are several key differences between the materials, particularly in terms of performance, cost and look. Here is a break-down of the pros and cons of both, so you can make an informed decision.

uPVC Pros:

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Most thermally efficient, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer

High sound resistance, blocks out street noise up to 34dB reduction

Can eliminate most condensation – depends on sources within your home

Watertight and airtight

LIFE SPAN

Lasts 40+ years, with no fading, corrosion, warping, and with minimal

maintenance

PERFECT FOR WELLINGTON WIND

Most joinery is rated to SED wind zones for 216kph wind

STRONG STRUCTURE

Solid looking product

Internal steel for strength and load bearing

Welded corners

DOUBLE GLAZING

Double glazed as standard

Glazing thickness 23mm standard, out to 31mm and 41m with some frames

Handles a variety of glass types , like Obscure, Laminated and Low E

ADAPTABLE LOOK

Fits any type of home, including character builds

R VALUE

Standard R value of .41

Viridian planitherm XN Low E Glass increases that to r.84

USED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD AS A JOINERY SOLUTION OF CHOICE

RECYCLABLE

Recycled in Europe into new windows and doors

Aluminium Pros:

GREAT LOOK

Slim profile

Large colour range and colour matching

Easily formed into designer shapes, therefore fitting well into modern

architecturally designed buildings

AFFORDABLE PRICE

Standard aluminium is cheaper than uPVC. Thermally broken aluminium is similar in price.

EASY TO INSTALL

As it has high installation tolerances

UPGRADABLE

Old aluminium can be retrofitted with double glazing

uPVC Cons:

LARGE SIZE

uPVC frames are typically a larger profile in order to fit in all the technology

that makes it so thermally efficient

LIMITED RANGE OF COLOURS

The main colour used in New Zealand is white, although other colours are available at a higher price with a 3-6 month lead time as they must be specially imported.

THE ABOVE TWO CONS MEAN THAT THE LOOK OF UPVC MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS

LIMITED RANGE OF WINDOW SHAPES

PVC is harder to manufacture than aluminium, therefore harder to make into unique shapes

NOT AS WELL KNOWN IN THE MARKET PLACE BY CONSUMERS OR ARCHITECTS

BAD REPUTATION IN SOME QUARTERS BASED ON EARLY ATTEMPTS TO INTRODUCE TO THE NZ MARKET PLACE

Aluminium Cons:

LOW PERFORMANCE

No thermal efficiency, meaning the cold and heat transfer easily through the joinery, making the frames either hot or cold to touch, depending on the outside weather